Northern & Central Midwest

January, 2005
Regional Report

Web Finds

Backyard Conservation
If you want to turn your backyard into a nature preserve, or merely do what you can to help preserve the environment, encourage wildlife in your yard and make your yard a wonderful asset, here's a resource. The Backyard Conservation Web site of the Natural Resources Conservation Service features detailed tip sheets on such subjects as backyard ponds and wetlands, composting, mulching, nutrient management, pest management, water conservation, and wildlife habitat.

Clever Gardening Technique

Deep Watering Devices From Your Kitchen
Start saving juice, milk, and soda bottles now for deep-watering assistance in the heat of the summer. Punch a hole in the cap and fasten it with a twist tie to the bottle so you will have it in spring. When planting time comes for tomatoes, eggplants, peppers, and zucchini, punch holes in the bottoms of the bottles and sink them about half way in the garden next to the crowns of plants. Keep the tops on until you are ready to water. Fill a bottle with water, and as soon as it empties into the soil, replace the cap to avoid trapping critters inside the bottles.